STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Mark the date on your calendar -- then try not to rip it off the wall. The MTA has set Sunday, March 3, as the date that the $15 cash toll on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge will take effect.

The changeover will occur at 2 a.m., to minimize any delays as the agency makes the switch. The toll and fare hike were approved in December, but the exact activation date had not been previously announced.

Staten Islanders with E-ZPass will pay $6.36 to cross the Verrazano for the first two round trips of the month, up from $5.76. However, those same motorists will see the toll rolled back to an even $6 on the third and subsequent trips.

Those using E-ZPass who don't have the Staten Island discount will pay $10.66 per trip -- an increase from $9.60.

While those paying cash at the Verrazano will feel the sting most, the
toll and fare hikes will hit every New Yorker who relies on the MTA to
get around town. Bus and subway riders will also be paying more: The base fare for bus and subway rides will rise a quarter to $2.50. The cost for express bus rides will rise 50 cents to an even $6.

More details:

The seven day Express Bus Plus MetroCard will cost $55.

The seven-day regular unlimited MetroCard will rise to $30.

The 30-day regular unlimited MetroCard jumps to $112.

Single-ride tickets, only sold at vending machines, will cost $2.75.

A bonus of 5 percent is added to MetroCards with purchases of $5 or more.